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Honda

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019 FROM AUTOMAKERS?

December 12, 2018 By Nitish S. Rele

Some have been around forever, some not quite so, many will be around for decades, and quite a few undergo major modifications. That’s the auto industry for you. Here’s a peek at the noticeable changes in vehicles for 2019:

HONDA: The Insight is back, a hybrid that can fetch up to 55 mpg while base-priced at just $22,830, and it does look far better than its predecessor – almost a carbon copy of the Civic. Also making a return, after 16 years though, is the Passport slotted between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot. It will get a sole standard 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, mated to a fresh nine-speed auto gearbox.

2019 Acura RDX

ACURA: With crossover vehicles in huge demand, Acura saw it fit to redesign the 2019 RDX inside and out. It now sits on a new platform, powertrain (2.0-liter inline-4-cylinder engine putting out 272 hp and a roomier and always expected tech-savvy cabin. Lest we forget, the 10-speed auto transmission. It also acquires Acura’s new touchpad user interface.GMC: Hardcore pickup owners, your poised ride is here. The Sierra 1500 pickup has been totally redesigned with an all-new 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine. It’s also larger, longer and lighter (360 pounds) than the previous version and comes in six engine/transmission combos. This utilitarian workhorse boasts not just generous cargo and tow capacity but also outstanding performance, marvelous ride and an upscale, gargantuan interior.

2019 Chevy Silverado

CHEVROLET: Amid tough competition in the pickup market comes an overhauled Silverado 1500 4WD with a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 and length by 1.6 inches. Rear seat legroom gets a 3-inch boost. And, the truck is lighter by 450 pounds from the previous model. And, it comes with a varied choice of power trains, abundant passenger room and incredible tow/haul capabilities. What more can a pickup shopper ask for in a work ride?

NISSAN: The Altima receives a major exterior and interior design change, two all-new engines and for the first time ever, an all-wheel-drive power train on a Nissan sedan in America. This for a ride that was introduced in 1993. Base-priced at $23,750, the Altima has proved to be a huge success story. For 2019, the Japanese carmaker has also refreshed the Maxima sedan and the Murano crossover.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace

JAGUAR: It’s stacking up awards by the dozens. That’s the all-electric I-PACE, which looks to directly compete with Tesla. Priced at $69,500, the SUV with a 90kWh battery delivers a range of about 230 miles on a full charge. Zero to 60 is achieved in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. Not bad at all.

KIA: After a one-year hiatus, the restyled K900 returns with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine pumping 365 hp. The Korean carmaker’s rear-wheel-drive premium flagship boasts a cabin as top-notch and upscale as any of its German competitors. Also undergoing a styling change is the compact Forte, now longer by 3 inches, opening up plenty of room for occupants. Not only is the gas-sipper (EPA 34 mpg city) fun, lively and well-balanced, but also inexpensive at around $20,000.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

HYUNDAI: Just so there is no confusion, the Santa Fe Sport model is out. From 2019 onward, all you have is a two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. And, it will be a while before the three-row Santa Fe XL hits the market. The Veloster hatchback 2.0-liter engine gains horsepower and a redesign. Joining the Hyundai lineup is an all-new Kona subcompact SUV with 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines.

CADILLAC: The all-new XT4 features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine putting out 237 hp while mated to a 9-speed auto gearbox. Available in front- and all-wheel drive, it’s priced just right starting at $35,790. That is economical and attractive for even an entry-level luxury SUV Caddy like the XT4.

FORD: After eight years, the Ranger is back! The midsize pickup will be offered in at least three trims and two body styles, but will share one power train: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine developing 270 hp and coupled to a 10-speed gear box. Also revamped are the Edge SUV and the best-selling F-150 pickup.

LEXUS: Lexus has introduced the UX in the fastest-growing compact SUV segment. The urban-centric ride is available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive UX200 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (169 hp) or the AWD UX250h gas/electric hybrid with a 2.0-liter (181 hp). This Urban + X-over (crossover) is a purposeful vehicle with no compromises! Also, an F Sport joins the midsize ES sedan lineup.

2019 Subaru Ascent

SUBARU: Meet an all-new family hauler that has replaced the long-forgotten Tribeca. The aptly-named Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing a healthy 260 hp. The seven-seater will definitely give the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 a run for the money. Subaru also has revamped its smaller Forester SUV.

LINCOLN: Remember the midsize luxury MKX? Well, it’s been replaced by the Nautilus with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (245 hp) or the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 (335 hp), which was offered in the MKX. Gorgeous to the eye inside and out, the SUV boasts nippy acceleration and excellent handling.

RAM: The Ram 1500 pickup has gone through a major transformation. Sales are nationally up 9 percent, year-after-year basis. The pickup, now longer, wider and offering the largest cabin in the segment, is loaded with tech goodies. Engineers at the recent Miami Auto Show praised its enhanced fuel economy and tow/haul increase of 20 percent. They claim the Ram is a “no-compromise truck.” We agree.

TOYOTA: The best-selling car nameplate in the world gets a new hatchback with a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder (168 hp). Millennials will dig the look and feel of this hip Corolla. Also totally restyled is the RAV4, though Toyota has retained the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine (205 hp). Off-roading is now a real possibility in this roomy and secure ride.

BMW: The 8 Series returns to the U.S. after two decades. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive car resides a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 engine delivering an astounding 523 hp. Base price? Just $111,900! The BMX X3, X4 and X5 undergo noticeable alterations.

2019 VW Arteon

VW: A longer and bigger Arteon flagship sedan replaces the CC four-door coupe. The sleek-appearing car with a wide stance gets a 2.0-liter TSI engine (268 hp) while paired to an eight-speed auto gearbox. With an even bolder front fascia and upscale cabin, the Jetta becomes an even more attractive proposition for small-car buyers. Indeed, this compact sedan is a splendid combination of thrift (starting at $18,545), practicality and fun to drive.

BENZ: A Mercedes-Benz base-priced at just $30,000? Yes, readers, your dream has come true. The brand-new A-Class compact sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine and puts out just 188 hp. Also, the CLS 450 gets a design overhaul.

AUDI: The A6, A7 and A8 sedans have been restyled.

Published December 12, 2018

Filed Under: Auto Section Tagged With: Acura, Audi, Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, VW

Car dealerships arriving in Wesley Chapel

August 1, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is in the market to add to its luxury car dealerships with BMW as the potential tenant of a proposed showroom near The Shops at Wiregrass.

Japanese-auto dealership Mitsubishi also appears to want into Pasco’s market, with a showroom located west of Eagleston Boulevard at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Representatives of Spring Engineering Inc., filed a pre-application for “BMW-Wesley Chapel,” and recently met with Pasco County planners.

Spring Engineering representatives could not be reached for comment.

Preliminary site plans show a 37,000-square-foot showroom and space for 216 new vehicles. The dealership also would have a pre-owned vehicle division and service department.

The 32-acre site is located at the southeast corner of State Road 56 and Mansfield Boulevard, east of the Wiregrass mall. The property is owned by Solly Branch Holdings LLC, which lists J.D. Porter and his sister, Quinn Porter, as company officers, according to state records.

If the dealership materializes, BMW would be the fourth luxury automobile dealerships to gravitate to Pasco in the past three years. It would join previously opened dealerships for Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Audi.

According to its website, Springs Engineering’s clients include BMW of Ocala, Mini of Wesley Chapel, Jaguar of Orlando, and Lamborghini of Broward (County).

Another site plan identifies “WC Mitsubishi” as the potential tenant for an approximately 4-acre site near Toyota, Honda and Lexus dealerships.

Jacobs Holdings WC LLC, filed the pre-application for WC Mitsubishi, which would be a new and used auto dealership of about 17,600 square feet.

Daniel Jacobs is listed as the prime officer of Jacobs Holdings WC LLC, as well as chief executive officer of Jacobs Automotive Group and owner of Jacobs Auto Enterprise Inc., according to state records.

He is listed on the pre-application as the purchaser. The property is owned by DDG Holdings LLC, according to county records.

Jacobs wasn’t available for comment.

Published August 1, 2018

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Audi, BMW, BMW of Ocala, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Daniel Jacobs, DDG Holdings, Eagleston Boulevard, Honda, J.D. Porter, Jacobs Auto Enterprise, Jacobs Automotive Group, Jacobs Holdings, Jaguar of Orlando, Lamborghini of Broward, Lexus, Mansfield Boulevard, Mercedes Benz, Mini of Wesley Chapel, Quinn Porter, Solly Branch Holdings, Spring Engineering, State Road 56, The Shops at Wiregrass, Toyota, WC Mitsubishi

Bikers return to remember Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

August 28, 2014 By Michael Hinman

In their world, it might be Harley-Davidson vs. Yamaha, Honda vs. Suzuki. But when it comes to honoring those who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 — and giving a little something back to local first responders — there’s nothing that can keep these bikers apart.

Dan Turner, left, and his wife Cheryl address bikers in front of the Pasco County Government Center on U.S. 41 last year, ahead of their ride to honor members of Pasco County’s Fire Rescue as part of the Pasco County Choppers 9/11 Gratitude Ride. (File Photo)
Dan Turner, left, and his wife Cheryl address bikers in front of the Pasco County Government Center on U.S. 41 last year, ahead of their ride to honor members of Pasco County’s Fire Rescue as part of the Pasco County Choppers 9/11 Gratitude Ride.
(File Photo)

September is right around the corner, and with it the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people died, including more than 440 first responders who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center alone.

Local Realtor Dan Turner hasn’t forgotten what those brave men and women did that day, and he is making sure no one else does either with his fifth annual 9/11 Gratitude Ride.

Turner recruited more than 350 of his fellow motorcycle riders last year to raise $6,000 for Pasco County Fire Rescue Benevolent Fund, and he is anxious to top that this year.

“A lot of people, I think, have kind of moved on, so I’m glad we are doing it,” Turner said. “There aren’t too many events that go on anymore to remember the people, and I’m glad to see people on this ride who haven’t forgotten.”

Unlike past gratitude rides, this year’s will start and end at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, beginning at 8 a.m. on Sept. 6. Turner will kick off the events with a brief ceremony at 9:45, and then the hundreds of bikers will head to two fire stations in Dade City and Zephyrhills, to thank the men and women there for their service.

After the ride, the festivities will resume at Quail Hollow beginning a little after noon, featuring a free concert from The Greg Billings Band, as well as food, games, vendors and more.

One of the highlights of this year’s event comes in the gratitude ride’s raffle, Turner said. A guitar is available signed by three popular metal bands of the 1980s — Great White, Winger and Slaughter. The bands, which took part in the recent Hairapalooza event in July, also signed a drumhead that will be auctioned off.

For those who like motorcycles more than rock, a $500 gift card from Harley-Davidson also is among the prizes.

“The most important thing that we want everyone to know is that it’s open to the public,” Turner said. “It doesn’t matter if you ride a bike or not. Come out and help us support our fire departments, and remember 9/11 too.”

For more information on the event, visit Facebook.com/911GratitudeRide.

If you go …
WHAT:
9/11 Gratitude Ride
WHO: Pasco County Choppers
WHERE: Quail Hollow Golf & County Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel
WHEN: Sept. 6, with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m., and afternoon events beginning just after noon
COST: Free, open to the public
INFO: Facebook.com/911GratitudeRide

Published August 27, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Dan Turner, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Old Pasco Road, Pasco County Choppers, Pasco County Fire Rescue Benevolent Fund, Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, Suzuki, Wesley Chapel, World Trade Center, Yamaha

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01/26/2021 – Crystal snowflakes

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Virtual STEM Studio: Crystal Snowflakes on Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven. Learn how to create your own crystals with just saltwater. Follow along with the video on the Regency Park Library’s Facebook page. No library card is needed. … [Read More...] about 01/26/2021 – Crystal snowflakes

01/27/2021 – Into the Interstellar

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Into the Interstellar Unknown” on Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Natalia Guerreo will present the latest news from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Guerrero works at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research on the MIT-led NASA TESS Mission. The program is for teens and adults. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 01/27/2021 – Into the Interstellar

01/27/2021 – Zentangles

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Stroke of Genius” on Jan. 27. This virtual craft includes an instructional slide show on how to draw Zentangles. View the post, available all day, on the South Holiday Library’s Facebook page. … [Read More...] about 01/27/2021 – Zentangles

01/29/2021 – One Book, One Night

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “One Book, One Night” on Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults. Participants can start online as the beginning excerpt of the book “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, is read in English, Spanish and French. For information and to register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 01/29/2021 – One Book, One Night

01/31/2021 – Nova Era performs

The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a live performance by the classical music group Nova Era on Jan. 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ensemble performs in handcrafted 18th-century costumes and ornate, powdered wigs. Gates open at 2 p.m. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. This is an outdoor event. Guests should bring lawn chairs. No cooler or pets. Masks are required inside the buildings. Social distancing will be in place. Advance tickets are $25, or $30 at the door (if available). For information and tickets, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. … [Read More...] about 01/31/2021 – Nova Era performs

02/06/2021 – Blues festival

The fifth annual Pasco Blues Festival will take place on Feb. 6 from noon to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event will include performances by Memphis Lightning (12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.), Sean Chambers (2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.), and Damon Fowler (4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). There also will be food trucks, shopping vendors, T-shirts and Blues swag. This is a family friendly, pet-friendly event. Signage will be in place to enforce proper social distancing and mask usage. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. Guests should wear a mask when in line for entry, food and beer. Vendors will be spaced at least 10 feet apart to prevent overcrowding. Chairs also will be provided for guests to set up, and should be brought back to the front when done, for another guest to use. There is a limit of chairs to the first few hundred people. Guests can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Other than VIP spaces, no tents, coolers, food and drink will be … [Read More...] about 02/06/2021 – Blues festival

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